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Illinois residents planning a trip abroad will need a passport to re-enter the U.S. Issued by the U.S. Department of State, the procedure is actually the same no matter where in the country you live. Illinois, like every other state, has passport acceptance facilities at numerous locations, including many post offices, circuit clerk offices and public libraries. There's also the Chicago Passport Agency, where you can go if you're traveling internationally within two weeks; appointments are mandatory, and you'll have to show proof of the upcoming travel.

Find a suitable location to apply using the U.S. Department of State website's Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page. Enter your zip code or Illinois plus your city and click "Search" to get a list of nearby sites. Call to schedule an appointment.

Complete Form DS-11 Application For a U.S. Passport. The form is available at more than 400 Illinois passport acceptance facilities, or download it from the Department of State website. Do not sign the form, though, because your attending passport agent has to see you sign it.

Obtain an original or certified copy of your proof of U.S. citizenship. You need a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state where you were born. It must include your parents' full names. If you were born outside the U.S., you must provide a Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth or Naturalization Certificate. Make a one-sided copy and bring both with you when you apply.

Make sure you also have proof of your identity. You need a valid Illinois driver’s license, current government ID card or current military ID. If you were born outside the U.S., you must have a Naturalization Certificate. Make a one-sided copy of both sides and bring both with you when you apply.

Get a passport photo taken. More than 200 Illinois passport acceptance facilities provide on-site photo services. Professional photographers and most pharmacies also take passport photos. Wear regular clothing, but you cannot wear glasses, hats, a uniform or other accessories. The photo must be less than six months old, in color and 2 by 2 inches in size.

Pay the applicable fees when you apply. Check the Department of State’s passport fee page for current fees. There's an additional fee to have your passport application expedited. Acceptable forms of payment include a check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State. Some locations may accept a credit or debit card. The processing fee is non-refundable.

Wait for your passport to arrive in the mail. It normally takes four to six weeks to process your application (or two to three if you pay for expedited issuance). You can check the status of your application on the Department of State’s processing times page.

Tip

Your passport is good for 10 years. Application procedures differ for minors. More information is available on the Department of State's website. Make sure your passport is good for six months beyond the date you return to the U.S.

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About the Author

R. Lynne has been writing professionally since 1980. Her work has appeared in "Springfield Business Journal," "The Illinois Times," "The State Journal-Register" and "The Hillsboro Journal." She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in legal studies from Sangamon State University. She writes about business, real estate and health and wellness topics.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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